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Coast Guard begins ice breaking operations in Great Lakes region

(CBS DETROIT) - The Coast Guard's ice breakers have started working in the waters of the Great Lakes, in an effort to keep commercial shipping channels open.

The Coast Guard's Operation Taconite, which started last week, is the agency's largest domestic ice breaking operation. The currently assigned areas for the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw and U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Mobile Bay are Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, St. Mary's River, the Straits of Mackinac and Georgian Bay. 

Operation Coal Shovel started Tuesday, and involves U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Bristol Bay along with U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Morro Bay working in the upper Lake St. Clair and St. Clair River areas. 

While ice breaking is intended to support commercial traffic, tankers and vessels that are traveling during ice season must follow stipulations that include reducing speed in certain locations and sending in additional voice and position reports. 

The Coast Guard also can close commercial waterways on a case-by-case basis to protect the marine environment or to allow island residents to use seasonal ice bridges for their transportation to and from the mainland.

For example, a "regulated navigation area" notice was issued Monday for the Saginaw Bay safety zone, which requires vessels to get advance approval before traveling due to ice fishing and other recreation expected in the area. 

During this time of year, the Coast Guard asks all recreational ice visitors to use caution on the ice and stay clear of active shipping channels. In addition, the Coast Guard urges those who are going to be on the ice to observe the following: 

  • Check weather conditions before traveling out and monitor the weather while on the ice. 
  • Wear seasonal-appropriate clothing to prevent hypothermia. 
  • Choose bright colors in attire that can be easily seen by others. 
  • Bring reliable means of communication. 
  • Provide a return time and general location to someone who is onshore. 
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